Bright lights on lampposts of major thoroughfares throughout the metropolis, colorful displays mounted on most shop windows and then there are the gigantic ones which are on display in major department stores and malls. One can’t enter a shop without hearing Christmas tunes playing in the background. Matter of fact, every mall has its own gimmick and at the Greenbelt malls, an impressive fireworks display is staged brightening the skies for about 15 minutes, at least three times a week – a real treat for all holiday shoppers.
Christmas is not only in the metro air, but also in rural towns across the nation. The humble parol or Filipino Christmas lanterns in all colors and sizes are hanging by doors and windows of the bahay kubo. As pointed out by one popular TV ad, there is no place in the world like the Philippines during the Christmas season. Nobody can dispute that. Soon, the traditional Misa de Gallo or dawn masses will start and the equally popular bibingka and puto bumbong stands will come to life, another unique Filipino Christmas treat.
For all the traditions that make a Philippine Christmas special, there is perhaps one Christmas symbol that is truly universal. Wherever in the world Christmas is celebrated, the Christmas Tree is there to be part of the festivities.
It is difficult to trace the origin of the Christmas tree. Perhaps since trees are symbols of life and hope in a Creator (I recall a phrase in the poem by Joyce Kilmer…"but only God can make a tree."), it is befitting the message of Christmas. Although Christmas is for all to enjoy, the celebration is most special for children. Have you observed the face of a child when a Christmas tree is lit? Precious.
Why did the pine tree, and not any other kind of tree become the universal symbol of the Christmas tree? Since pine trees abound in cold weather and the Christmas month is December, the coldest month of the year (at least in countries that have four seasons, although even in countries, such as the Philippines where there is no winter, the 12 th month is still the coolest time of the year), the smell of the season became that of pine, when these trees are in season. As Christmas became more commercial, people from all over the world decorated the humble tree with ornaments of all kinds – from colorful balls to bells to little angels to shining stars to bows and ribbons to crystals and rubies.
Today, there are no set rules as to what and what not to hang on one’s Christmas tree. As interior designer and popular Christmas tree arranger, Anton Baretto points out, "A Christmas tree reflects the varied festive moods that the season brings out in people. As people are intricate even when they are happy, so are their trees elaborate."
Anton says this season’s theme in holiday decoration is opulence. Ironically, this does not seem to describe the current state of the nation. But then again, there is no stopping Christmas. So, no matter how simple or opulent your tree is this Christmas, it is best not to forget the reason for the season.